Self‐advocates have the last say on friendship†

†In memory of our dear friend Allison J. Dewing‐Moore, died 3 November 2005.

Abstract

This study reports the friendship experiences and aspirations of adults with intellectual disabilities. The findings of a larger study were reviewed by an expert group of self‐advocates with intellectual disability. The expert group confirmed some of the interpretation of the original data and expanded on issues. Friendship is established as an issue of concern among adults with intellectual disability. Consequently, policy‐makers and service providers need to be intentional about providing support for friendships. Participants asserted a positive self‐identity of being a person with intellectual disability and how this could be a basis for friendship. Also, people with intellectual disability demonstrated how they should be considered experts in their own life experience and how they can be effectively included in the formulation, implementation, analysis and review of research.

†In memory of our dear friend Allison J. Dewing‐Moore, died 3 November 2005.

Acknowledgement

This paper is based on the Doctoral Research of Keith R. McVilly, which was recognized with Australian Psychological Society’s 2005 Thesis Award for a thesis in the field of human relationships. The research was partly funded by an Australian Post Graduate Award, in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney. This research would not have been possible without the support and participation of self Advocacy Sydney Inc.

Notes

†In memory of our dear friend Allison J. Dewing‐Moore, died 3 November 2005.